What Magic Is This?

On our previous episode with the always eloquent Andrew Watt, we went over the history as well as foundations for the interplay of Astrology and Magic. On this episode, we delve into the nitty-gritty of utilizing the celestial spheres for one's magical rituals. From what metaphysical models one can use, to how to start doing astrological magic, to what to use it for- this episode is a torrent of information for those curious about Astrology and Magic and for practitioners alike!

It has been a whole year and the time is right to dive right back in on perhaps one of the most popular topics covered on the Podcast so far- Solomonic Magic! Earlier we had talked about the method that is applied to this sort of magic, as well as its history. On this episode the host of the greatest Magic podcast of all time Glitch Bottle Podcast, the one and only Alexander Eth, (as well as Doug) would like to brighten some of the less looked in corners involving this austere and amazing form of Magic!

Considered by many Magicians and Occultists to be as close as we have to a Rockstar, John Whiteside Parsons lived perhaps one of the most interesting and captivating lives of any resident of the Fools Gallery. A gifted chemist, many have said that he is one of the most important figures in the history of space exploration; some even going so far to say that without Jack Parsons, humanity would not have made it to the moon. And yet going hand in hand with his rocket chemical brilliance was a fanatical obsession with Western Magic, particularly that of Aleister Crowley's Thelema. Consider this an introduction to one of the most fascinating humans to grace this planet in the last 100 years- Jack Parsons.

If there is one thing that draws a considerable amount of controversy within contemporary magic, it is the blatant act of evoking Demons. It has been called many things but for simplicity's sake, Nigromancy seems historically specific enough. And yet, the practice of Nigromancy is long tenured throughout not just western ritual magic but many other spiritual traditions as well. One who has experience in both realms, is the Sorcerer and author Julio Cesar Ody.

New and unfamiliar ages bring us bold and pioneering Magicians. For the most part over the last 100 years when we look up into the night sky, we see celestial bodies dancing and bestowing their magnificence to us. But there is always something else up there. The night sky is mostly darkness and is certainly spilling over with spirits that show signs and interact with us, whether we like it or not. A kind of Stellar Witchcraft is taking shape and pioneering all that it entails is the one-of-a-kind Astrolater Sasha Ravitch!

One of the most renown forms of Magic we have today was received by the Arch Mage of England John Dee and his scrying counterpart Edward Kelley. No doubt, even if you have a cursory knowledge of the world of Magic, the word "Enochian" conjures up many opinions. For some it is a beyond useful and very powerful type of magical process which tests the magician resolve. For others, it is such a powerful form of magic that doing it could cause ruination, insanity and disaster for the one who dares attempt it. On this Episode, we have Scott Stenwick and Cliff Wigtil helping us get some perspective on the whole enterprise that is called Enochian Magic.

The concept of what can be called Occult is fairly easy to pin down, but what can we say about "Occultism?" Ask seven Occultists and you will get seven wildly different answers. And yet it truly is a huge part of what has always seemingly bubbled below the surface of Western History for the last 500 years, despite the word Occultism being a 19th century invention. Taking us through what Occultism appears to be, as well as how we presently conceptualize it is Occult Historian, Author and Lecturer- Mitch Horowitz!

Despite being written off by quite a few folks within the Occult and Magic as New Age nonsense, Stones, Gems and Crystals have been a part of Magic for... Forever. As soon as we were able to pick up stones and rocks, we were utilizing them as spiritual allies in any way we could. There are very few universals in Magic but Stones, Gems and Crystals is one of them. For something this important we needed the perfect guest and so joining us to take the listeners through all things mineral is The Luminous Pearl- Nicholas Pearson!

For something which is only about 150 years old, the grip that Ouija or Spirit Talking Boards have on the cultural imagination is staggering. For some, it has been used to great effect to help them write their best work. For others it is a demonic tool which allows evil spirits or even the devil into your life. Yet for most of us who have used them, they never seem to disappoint; there is always seemingly an interesting story attached. The Ouija board has been explained away by science and skeptics, but I think it is past time we reconsider what it is about these amazing objects which keeps us coming back decade after decade.

Astrology and Magic. Two things that go together like salt and pepper. When we look back through the ages, they always seem to have been intertwined, for matching what happens in the celestial spheres with what happens here on earth seems like such a natural interaction. But where does one even start? What things should one keep in mind if they want Astrology to be the major aspect of their Magical spells and rituals. Helping us through it is the Astrologer, Magician and Poet- Andrew Watt.

The term Paganism is used today (for the most part) to refer to contemporary religious and spiritual traditions which take their influences from historically pre-Christian beliefs. While many of these are fairly different from each other, there are some distinctions which these sorts of Paganism all seem to share for the most part. Many are Polytheist, see spirit and the sacred as being imminent, and hold the natural world in high regard. Taking us through some of the broader strokes of contemporary Paganism is the scholar of Magic, Witchcraft, and Paganism- Dr. Angela Puca!

If one was to walk into their local New Age, Witchcraft and Magic shop and have a look around, one would notice that much of the merchandise in said shop was Celtic. From amulets, to books of Celtic Magic, even Celtic Oracle Cards. This would probably give one the impression that the Celts were an enormously  magical civilization, perhaps even the most magical that has ever existed. But how much do we know about the Celts, and how should we think about Celts these days? To help us understand better is Folklorist and scholar Dr. Amy Hale.

When most of us close our eyes and think of Fairies, more often than not the winged fairies of 19th century Britain is what will come to mind. Over the last 160 years, some historians and folklorists have attempted to figure out just how the British conception of the fairy came to be. For the most part and in the minds of many, it seems like fairies were some sort of Pagan Celtic survival of Christianization. However, this might not be the case at all. Taking us through the Origins of Fairies in Britain, is Author and Historian Dr. Francis Young.

Much of the last four episodes in the Fistful o' Fairies series has been about the history and folklore of the Fairies. But what does a Magical world look like with Fairies involved; what is a Fairy witchcraft? While most folks through history have done their best to avoid or appease the Good Neighbours, what things should be kept in mind if one would wish to interact in some way with them? Giving us a peek into the world of Fairy, Witchcraft and Magic is the author and Traditional Witch, Lee Morgan.

When one looks back at older documents belonging to and written by ritual magicians, for the most part they seem to be about compelling Angels, Demons and Spirits to aid you in your magical activities. And yet, not discussed very much by anyone is the fact that in some of these Grimoires, Fairies seem to make an appearance. What's more, the reason that fairies are evoked seems to be for entirely different reasons than the usual suspects. Taking us through Fairies in ritual Magic of the past, is one of the foremost authorities on Western Ritual Magic and Grimoires, the one and only David Rankine!

No doubt, UFOs and Aliens would be familiar to every listener of this Podcast. The mysterious and downright terrifying entities we call Aliens as well as their supposed activities here on earth are beyond notorious, indeed they are part of our culture and have been for the last 70 years. And yet, almost every aspect of Aliens and their apparent abductions has an antecedent in the folklore of Fairies. In fact, many are saying that the phenomena of UFOs and Aliens are just a modern interpretation of a somewhat spiritual experience that is intrinsically human somehow.  Helping us tread into these murky waters is a someone who knows them well- author and musician Joshua Cutchin.

Without a doubt, when one thinks of Fairies and the cultures as well as countries which have historically been associated with them, no place can hold a candle to that of Ireland. The Aos Sí, or people of the mounds have been a part of life in Ireland for thousands of years. Ireland's landscape is absolutely packed with the remains of stone circles, hillforts, ringforts and other such monuments which are known as Fairy Forts. But what sort of relationship have the people of Ireland had with Fairies? Taking us through all of the varieties of how Ireland relates to the Good People is writer and blogger of Irish and worldwide Fairy lore- David Halpin!

There’s not a single person listening to WMiT? who doesn’t know what a Fairy is. Or do they? When the word “Fairy” is uttered, most likely our minds immediately think of a small, somewhat feminine, little winged humanoid that glows. But this conception of Fairies is a somewhat recent one. There is so much more to the stories, the history as well as the behavior of these ethereal and magical beings. Allow yourself to be reintroduced as it were, to the entities we call Fairies by the host of The Modern Fairy Sighting Podcast Jo Hickey-Hall, and the Scholar of the Supernatural Dr. Simon Young!

The next five episodes of What Magic is This? Podcast are going to be opening the doors to the Good Neighbours. Fairies are perhaps one of the most unexamined yet strangely important aspects of the Western Magical Tradition. The late 19th and early 20th century tried to defang them. Over the next 5 episodes, we will be bringing them into focus like no other Podcast before. Coming very soon!  

During the 19th century, African slaves brought to Cuba continued to worship and revere their own Gods, dieties and spirits from their original Yoruba religion, but masked as Catholic Saints. These gods and sprits are called Orisha, and they form the backbone of the African diaspora religion Santería, otherwise known as Lucumí. There are many aspects of Lucumí which make it very unique, including initiation, divination, ancestors, and so much more. Giving the listeners a well-rounded introduction to this austere tradition are Santeros Steven Cherena and Eric Purdue!

It happened! What Magic is This? Podcast has reached 100 "Official" episodes! Of course there were some small episodes and some filler episodes here and there but now we are at the big century mark for the Podcast! And so, for a bit of a celebration, I was trying to think back at which show and guest do I think about more than any other. One episode in particular I think about constantly. I adore his work, and he is someone who I think that everyone who listens to this show should know. That's right! It is time for The Return of Dr. Jeffrey Kripal!

The word "Polymath" is one that gets used for quite a few people that are already residents of the Fools Gallery, but I don't think anyone deserves that title more than the mystic and visionary medieval abbess Hildegard of Bingen. Given to service God by her parents at a young age, Hildegard didn't start to flourish and share her uniqueness until middle age. Someone who would have been an extraordinary person at any period of history, Hildegard has something for every one of us to admire. An absolute favourite and someone who stands tall in the Fools Gallery.

We've all seen the movies and recognize the tropes- Swinging Pocket Watch, eyes rolling back into the head, "You are Getting verrrrrryyyy Sleeeeeeepy..." And yet, Hypnosis is so much more than what most of us are lead to believe. From helping to deal with certain anxieties, breaking habits and even pain relief- Hypnosis seems to be a still little understood but extremely amazing condition. Taking us through the wonders of Hypnosis are two of my favourite former guests- Lance Baker and Devin Person!

Many within the realms of Magic, Spirituality, and Mysticism are well aware of heavenly messengers which are called Angels. While many are familiar with the depictions of them as winged celestial beings, their origins and deeds are a bit less well known in today's world. Angels were incredibly important to the Ancient Jewish peoples, and more recent scholarship has begun to uncover to what extent Angels played a role in the nascent Judaic worldview. One of these scholars is my guest for this show- author and professor Dr. Mika Ahuvia!

When all is said and done, the Western Magical Tradition seems to have one clear and definable feature- it has mainly been about attempting to solicit the aid of spiritual creatures or entities for all manner of magical ends. There is no better encapsulation of this than what is called Solomonic Magic. Guided by Grimoires or magic books, the techniques and protocols of Solomonic Magic are fairly specific but require elucidation none the less. Helping introduce us to the history as well as taking us through a Solomonic Grimoire to showcase the protocols as well as Solomonic method is the host of the greatest podcast about Magic and the Occult in existence- Alexander Eth of Glitch Bottle Podcast!

No doubt we are all familiar with the common story trope of a dusty and haggard book of Magic which is filled with spells, rituals and numerous diabolical looking diagrams. However, these certainly existed and many of them are housed in collections both private and public(ish). The word "Grimoire" got its name as these books were very hard to read and make sense of. Still to this day, if you were to open a translated Grimoire, it will leave one quite confused as to what to make of it. Until now that is. Let's get cracking, we've got some work to do.

Hailed by many as a forefather of modern medicine, the story of Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, known to the world as Paracelsus- is one of hardship, stacked odds and wonder. While his contributions to medicine and health are being recognized more and more through the centuries, after his passing his legend and myth grew exponentially. A Titan of Magic certainly, on this episode we will be unpacking the vitriolic and brilliant Alchemical Doctor that is Paracelsus!

Saints are everywhere. From street names, to buildings, to the names of certain herbs and plants. For a time, their stories and miracles were familiar to many of us. And yet, when one chooses to look a bit closer at the Saints and the cult of the Saints, something fairly magical emerges. Going through the Saints and their Magic with us, is W.- the host of the excellent podcast about Saints, Folk Catholicism and Mysticism, Saint Anthony's Tongue!

There is a state that occurs right before one falls asleep that is perhaps one of the oddest and trippiest experiences one can have without the use of drugs. This is called Hypnagogia and it occurs every time we fall asleep. Our perceptions become very strange and we can experience many different sensations; sometimes amazing and sometimes terrifying. And yet this state has been utilized by inventors, artists, mystics and prophets to great effect. Joining WMiT? on this episode is friend of the show and fellow onieronaut, The Mad Sorceress Samantha Giacalone!

Back to the Fools Gallery once again, and we have an absolute Titan here. While many of the denizens of the gallery can be said to have changed the world of Magic, few of them can be said to have intrinsically changed the world. Our focus on this episode is the enigmatic and larger than life character that is Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. Some would say that modern spirituality would not be what it is today were it not for her. To bring such a figure into focus, we are joined by Occult Historian, author and Lecturer- the one and only Mitch Horowitz!

The Yi Jing or I Ching is an Ancient Chinese text which has been consulted as an oracle for almost 3000 years. While many consider it a foundational text for the Confucian and Daoist philosophical traditions, in the West it is mainly known as a divinatory tool. Yarrow Stalks or coins are used to create hexagrams which can be looked up in the text to provide answers and clarity. For the last 25 years, the I Ching has been a constant companion to our guest, the one and only Dan Lowe!

A form of divination which was immensely popular throughout Europe and Africa for centuries, but is little used these days is Geomancy. Practiced and utilized by all social classes, Geomancy was consulted for its clarity as well as it being so flexible in how one can undertake a reading. Stones, the dirt, dice, coins and even beans were used to cast for 16 unique figures, each with its own idiosyncratic meaning. In an effort to spread the glory of this now somewhat forgotten art, is the Cunning Geomancer Dr. Alexander Cummins!

Many of those who practice Magic and Divination or are just curious about it, will have a deck of Tarot Cards. And yet, most of them have no idea as to how the Tarot cards became something that is to this day one of the most popular forms of divination. On this episode of WMiT? we will be diving into what I consider to be the most interesting aspect of Tarot, which is the history of the cards themselves. Along the way we will explore where they came from, some of the historic decks we still have, as well as a few myths that have accrued around Tarot itself!

Mormonism is an American Religious tradition that started in the early 19th century by one single figure, Joseph Smith. To followers he is considered a prophet and a seer; one who received many revelations in his life which are all part of what makes Mormonism what it is today. Yet, through the years many have taken a closer look at what occurred with Joseph Smith initially at the birth of Mormonism, and have noticed many Occult as well as Masonic Influences. Going through it all, WMiT? is joined by Scholar, Author and Spiritual guide Dr. Nick Literski.

Perhaps the most notorious esoteric secret society of all time, the Rosicrucians still inspire enormous amounts of mystery and interest to this day. Yet what is going on with the Rosicrucians exactly? Where did they come from? Who were the Rosicrucians? Why do they matter still? Was it all some kind of inside Joke? To set all of this straight is the scholar of Western Esotericism and the author of many books which are important to our interests here at WMiT?- the Great Tobias Churton!

For more than 60 years in the late 19th century and early 20th century, a New Religious Movement known as Spiritualism swept across the Western World. Everyone from famous authors to housewives took part in engaging with spirits and Mediumship via Séances and other means. These days Spiritualism is mostly taken as a period of time in which every participant was either delusional or being conned by frauds. Yet there is much more to Spiritualism and Spirit Mediumship than what most people are familiar with. Going through it with us is the one and only Dr. Jack Hunter.

As far as books of Magic throughout history, perhaps the most notorious of these is The Picatrix. Originally titled in Arabic as Ghāyat al-Ḥakīm or the Goal of the Wise, it is a very large tome of Talismanic and Astrological Magic which was likely originally composed in the 11th century. Hugely influential in the Renaissance, it has seen a recent surge in popularity in the last 20 years. Joining WMiT? for a discussion of all things Picatrix, is one of its translators and a leading force in Astrological Magic- Christopher Warnock.

You enter a darkened room. There's beautiful artwork on the walls, many books, and the place is absolutely filled with decks of cards of all kinds. A single figure sits there, shuffling a small deck of cards as you yourself sit down facing them. You have a question and are looking for answers- The question is "What is the Tarot?" And you will be given the answer by one who knows more than most about these strange and wonderful cards- Dr. Camelia Elias.

The image of a witch or a warlock creeping through a dark forest collecting herbs, leaves and branches and stuffing them in a pouch is one that we are all familiar with. And with good reason! Materia Magica from Plants, Trees and Herbs strike to the core of magical practice. For some, it is the very path to how they navigate the world of magic as it involves knowledge, practicality, and lore in near equal measure. And to tell us all about it, is one who has explored it more than most- the one and only Corinne Boyer!

There is no other author whose works have been brought up both on the show, and in the show notes more than Gary Lachman. Gary has stated that his work is about the Evolution of Consciousness and many of the concepts and figures which he writes about should be familiar to every ardent listener of What Magic is This? In this episode, I would love to introduce to you, the person whose books are some of my favourite ever written- the one and only Gary Lachman!

The concept of "Magic" within the Jewish world is a complex and fascinating one. Many people when they look at the Western Esoteric and Magical tradition will say that many of the elements of it take much from the Hebrew alphabet and Jewish Mysticism like Kabbalah. But what of the Jewish people themselves, how did magic and mysticism play a role in their lives throughout time? Joining me on this episode is the one and only Dr. Justin Sledge.

Monoliths exist. The Occult and Esotericism in the West has many, but there are only a handful that almost everyone who calls themselves a seeker knows and will cite by name. One of them was written by a quiet but imposing figure, who seemingly out of nowhere at the age of twenty-seven wrote a book that cut to the very heart of philosophical esotericism. His name was Manly Palmer Hall and his book The Secret Teachings of All Ages stands to this day as a book that is both daunting and dizzyingly vast. But what can we take from this work now, and what do we make of its enigmatic and mystical author? Welcome back to the Fools Gallery.

Through the ages, many branches of esoteric thought have spoken of a Perennial Philosophy; an original wisdom from which all wisdom comes. For many, Ancient Egypt was seen as the place where a certain current and way of being with the world manifested itself to accomplish great things. One early 20th century Alchemist, René Schwaller de Lubicz thought that he knew what this was. After having spent years in Egypt and looking at their ancient structures and symbols, felt that he understood that the Ancient Egyptians saw and thought with the world in a very different way; that they saw into the inside of everything- An Intelligence of the Heart. Joining WMiT? to talk about it is the scholar of esotericism, Aaron Cheak PhD!

The movement of people from the German speaking areas of Europe to the Americas brought many things. In Pennsylvania, many new customs and traditions formed, including a sort of Folk Magic. Taking its name from a specific American Grimoire, Powwow also known as Braucherei became hugely popular amongst the Pennsylvania Dutch. Taking us through all of the aspects of Powwow are two Powwowers, Jason David the Powwow Doctor, and Robert Matthew Phoenix the Powwow Guy!

Over the last 2 years, the one question I get asked more than any other single question from listeners is "How do I get started doing Magic?" To start the year off right, I would like to provide a few insights and perhaps some inspiration which hopefully should help one enter the temple of Magic with ease. Pull up a chair and lend an ear, I'm about to share a few things.

In the last 30 years, a shining example of the delicious mix of Magic and Creativity within comic books has been exemplified by the creature that is Grant Morrison. It seems like every superhero that you can bring to mind has been touched in some way by Morrison. And yet, besides bringing forward the modern mythology of the caped warriors that set off so many cash registers across the globe, Morrison has been a Magician for many years, and has shared their Magic in many ways not just through the combination of pictures and words. It's all things Grant Morrison in this episode!

For many, the most influential and austere Grimoire of Magic from the Islamicate world is the Shams al-Ma'arif or the Sun of Knowledge. Inside this notorious book are many Magic Squares which combine words and numbers which are believed to be the only true way to communicate with Angels and spiritual entities called Jinn. A book that has been held in high regard by many, up to this point it has not been translated into English- Until now. Joining WMiT? is the team that undertook the task- Scholar Amina Inloes and Artist J.M. Hamade.

Something which is often talked of in magical circles, but not greatly understood- is Gnosticism and those who were called Gnostics. These Gnostics were those that valued personal experience of God; a knowledge called "gnosis," over more orthodox traditions and institutions. For the last 2000 years, we knew very little about these Gnostics, but all of that changed with an amazing archeological find in 1945 in Egypt. Taking us through Gnosticism and all things Gnostic, is the host of the greatest gnostic podcast ever, Aeon Byte Gnostic Radio- Mr. Miguel Conner!

Something which touches every person on this planet is illness; at some point each and every one of us will get sick. How we heal and what medicines we use has changed drastically throughout the ages. Things which would have meant certain death a hundred years ago, are dealt with somewhat simply now. So what is one to do if they get sick and they also do not buy into a fully materialist paradigm? To discuss we are joined by someone who has recently endured a healing journey and is sharing how it went and how they utilized magic in their healing- Ivy Bromius!

It's hard not to bump up against the Great Beast at some point when doing magic in the 21st Century. So many aspects of Western Occultism owe Crowley a debt in some way or another. Yet as time goes on, many people are speaking out against Crowley or at least highlighting that perhaps he was not all he's cracked up to be. For about seven years, I called myself a Thelemite and would engage in whatever rituals of Crowley's I could find. So, to put a cap on the Month of Crowley, I'd like to share a few of my Beastly Thoughts.

The statement "Aleister Crowley was a complicated figure" is a vast understatement. Depending on who is delivering the message, he can be either a wise teacher pointing to enlightenment and truth, or a monster and a con-artist who thought only of himself always. Our second episode of The Month of the Beast has us talking with the author of several books about Crowley, Richard T. Cole. We dive into the writing of The Book of the Law, some skulduggery as well as the overall message of the New Aeon.

Without a doubt the one figure that comes to mind for many when the word Occult and/or Magic is mentioned- is Aleister Crowley. He is a monumental figure and the modern occult still resides in his shadow to this day. Much of what passes for Magic these days owes some sort of debt to Crowley as he was both prolific and influential in many ways. The Great Beast lived an extraordinary life and each biography of Crowley seems to show a different person. On this episode, joining WMiT? is the scholar and author of the most comprehensive Biography of Aleister Crowley, Richard Kaczynski PhD!

Happy Crowleymas! A short episode detailing what's going to be happening over the Next month on What Magic is This?  Grab your robes and Books of Law, we're going over the one Magician that everyone knows- Aleister Crowley!  IAO, 93 and all of that! 

If Western Magic is to have one document that many consider to be foundational and essential- that would be the Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. The Three Books are Agrippa's attempt to synthesize magic with religion, going from the natural world to the celestial world and beyond. Joining the discussion on this extremely important text is someone who has understood the importance of Three Books well- Wren Collier, and the man who single-handedly produced the first English translation of Three Books in nearly 400 years- Eric Purdue!

Say the word Goetia and what comes to mind for many a magician is the summoning of Demons from the pits of hell. Yet many magicians are unaware from where the word Goetia came from but also what Goetia actually was. In this Episode of WMiT?, we go through the origins of Goetia as an ancient Greek tributary funeral practice, how the meaning of Goetia changed in the Renaissance and to the document that most people know the word from- The Ars Goetia, a very unique Grimoire. You've been summoned.

Hoodoo is a name given (somewhat unwillingly) to a culture, tradition and inheritance that arose due to a very special circumstance. This was the intersection of Indigenous, African and European culture and beliefs that occurred in South Eastern America. There are many things which arose out of this circumstance such as a Botanical knowledge of the areas in which these peoples found themselves, a special kind of spirituality, and much much more. There are many concepts of Hoodoo which require closer investigation, and joining WMiT? to help in this regard is Author, Rootworker and creator of The Hoodoo Tarot- Tayannah Lee McQuillar!

One of the most popular and purchased Occult Books of the last 100 years, perhaps the most purchased Occult book ever- is The Kybalion. Purported to be the work of the Three Initiates and the transcendent knowledge of the sage of Hermeticism Hermes Trismegistus, the Kybalion is a text that for many has been their introduction into the world of the unknown and Occult. But is the Kybalion all that is says it is? Are there things about this text that need to be considered before and after one reads it? On this Episode of WMiT? we are joined by Nicholas Chapel, someone who has looked much much deeper at the Kybalion than most dare to.

What does it take to call oneself a "Witch" these days? Are there certain things one must do, things that need to be believed, practices that need to be practiced? Or has Witchcraft really become so egalitarian that pretty much anything goes? Most people's conceptions of witchcraft are fairly modern conceptions, and many of the stories about the History of the Witch are myths. Is this a good thing, a bad thing, or just the way things go inevitably? To help out and give some guidance and direction for where one's witchcraft should situate itself these days, WMiT? is joined by Author, blogger and Witch Emma Kathryn.

One of the most controversial and downright confounding figures of 20th Century Science and Psychotherapy, was Wilhelm Reich. It was Reich's conjecture that he had discovered a powerful force that pervades not only all life here on earth, but also the cosmos as well. Reich called it Orgone, and it was the primary, sexual force of life. His views and research however has been met with obloquy and derision at every turn. In this episode, I am joined by Dan Lowe to go through the life and ideas of this oft maligned, yet fascinating figure.

Without a doubt, one moment that pretty much everyone is in agreement is absolutely seminal to the Occult, is when in 1471 Marcilio Ficino published the Corpus Hermeticum which he had recently translated. This triggered an explosion within Esoteric thought at the time, but also still right up to today. Finally, Hermeticism was something we could point a finger at and say that it was important. Since the publication, Hermeticism has had its ups and downs, but one thing is for sure- it is not going away any time soon. In this concluding episode, Erik Arneson and Sam Block go through Hermeticism over the last 600 years.

One word which gets used everywhere and almost as a substitute for Esoteric Thought and Philosophy- is Hermeticism. But what exactly is it and how did it come about? Is it a religion? A Philosophy? What was it all about? Our understanding of Hermeticism through time has changed vastly, much of the obscurity has been cleared up only within the last 100 years. In this, the first of a Two-Part series, I am joined by Erik Arneson and Sam Block to get to the bottom of the birth of Hermeticism and what it meant as it was originally conceived.

Two words that are never far away in the english-speaking word are both "Satan" and "Satanism." While many have ideas as to what both represent, much of the obscurity has been lifted from the philosophical beliefs that make up Satanism. Although there were a few groups and people that we could say were Satanic before the 20th century, Satanism as we all know it now is less than 60 years old. Based around the ideas of one man in particular, since its inception Satanism and ideas of what Satanists get up to has never been out of the public imagination for too long.

Many people that approach Magic for the first time are doing so because they believe that Magic has the ability to change them, usually for the better. Self-Transformation has been both a part as well as an ambition for a vast amount of us, but how exactly does one go about it? Most of us feel stuck somehow, that there are things about us that we'd like to change. Can Magic help with this, or does turning to Magic for something transformative in a way miss the point? Joining in this discussion is the Host of Spirit Box Podcast, the always luminous Darragh Mason.

Beyond a doubt, the most listener requested show up to this point. Seemingly everybody has their own take on Sex Magic. And why not?! For something as personal and important as sex, particularly when applied to a ritual or spell-based context, the topic itself is one that draws fascination as well as controversy. In this wonderful episode of WMiT? we are joined by the always luminous Luxa Strata of Lux Occult Podcast to hash out as much as possible our understandings of Sex Magic as we can! You asked for it.

In recent years, more and more attention has been directed at a somewhat neglected tradition of Magic- The Cunning Folk. Otherwise known as White Witches, they were known for providing many functions and needs all over Europe for a time. Divination, blessing, curse-breaking, dreams, conjuring of spirits, potions and much more were just some of the tools in their magical arsenal. They fulfilled many roles for those whom they served, for a price of course. In this Episode of WMiT? we are joined by The Wise Woman of Bushwick Avenue, Aerinn Hodges!

Say the words Magician, Occultist and Angel Magic and one name comes immediately to mind - Dr. John Dee. About as close as England has ever come to producing a real life Wizard, Dee is one of the most scrutinized, analyzed and obsessed over figures of the 16th century. Blazingly brilliant at Mathematics, Astronomy and Astrology in his own time, he is known mostly nowadays for a particular segment of his life. For less than a decade, Dee and a questionable figure by the name of Edward Kelley would converse with what they believed to be nothing less than Angels. Such activities have intrigued, astounded and confounded us to this Day. If there ever was a Titan of Magic, it is Dr. John Dee.

Instantly recognizable; you know a Wizard when you see one. Not only by appearance- Beards, older, white hair but also by the items associated with them- Robes, pointed hat, staff and old books. There is seemingly something archetypal about the wizard, which literally means "One who is Wise." These days, the Wizard ranks among some of the most beloved characters in books, films, art and more. In this Episode of WMiT?, we are joined by a real life Wizard Devin Person, to go through why the Wizard is a cultural touchstone in every way.

Through the vastness of time, one thing we've all had in common was the sky, especially that of the night sky. The Stars, Moon and planets have meant many different things to our Ancestors. Many saw the cosmic dance these celestial bodies followed as an integral part of not only their Myths or Cosmology but having real agency in our lives and in events here on earth. There is much magic in the stars, and to discuss as well as elucidate such things is my guest for this episode, Amaya Rourke!

To many the words "Christianity" and "Magic" should be like oil and water. For most Christians, the Occult is strictly forbidden; a dalliance with the dark forces of Satan. For Occultists, Christianity is the great adversary; always seeking to destroy and do away with those who use Magic of any form. Yet these dichotomies are somewhat new and it has not always been so easy to seperate. Much of the nuance has been lost, but luckily over the last 15 years, many of those into Magic and Witchcraft have begun the process of reexamining these complex ideas. Joining this episode is Christian Magician and renegade catholic cleric Reverend Michael Lux.

We all dream. Yet sometimes, while we are dreaming we become conscious of the fact that it is almost as if we are in the dream; we realize that we are active in our thoughts and actions. This is Lucid Dreaming, the ability to be aware while in a dream state. Most people have had at least one Lucid dream, others can lucid dream in great detail and frequently. In this episode of WMiT? we tackle this odd phenomenon which has massive possibilities for the study of consciousness. Joining the show is a returning guest from the Dreams episode who every time she dreams, she is lucid but in a very interesting way.

Holmes & Watson. Salt & Pepper. Hell, even Sturm und Drang- there are some classic combinations in this world. Rock 'n Roll & The Occult just seems natural. Although a relatively recent musical form, less than a century, the dalliances of the diabolical with Rock music were there nearly from the beginning. The combination of drums, guitars and a hollering vocals seem the very thing that the Occult offers in some way as well- Powerful, animal, and emotive. Yet the story of Rock and the Occult has been told many times before by many people. In this Episode of WMiT we examine a few of the lesser known features of this story, as well as some music that seems rather less than obvious. Joining me on this dizzying journey is Songwriter and Musician Kue Varo. Give'r.

Kept safe in many Special Collections around the world are very odd and very special Books. They are filled with interesting content- Invocations, Evocations, Prayers, Spells as well as odd diagrams. These are Grimoires- A Magician's textbook and are used for many purposes such as divination, crafting talismans, herbs and stones, as well as how to summon Demons, Angels, Spirits and other entities. Joining this episode to discuss these fascinating and incredible documents is the Scholar, Author and Modern Cunning Man Dr. Alexander Cummins!

Without a doubt, the last 5 years has seen a resurgence of interest in the Celestial Art of Astrology. At base, Astrology is looking at the positions of celestial bodies like the planets and stars, in order to divine information relevant to the past, the present and the future. A discipline unto itself, to say that Astrology was important in ages past is a vast understatement. On this episode of WMiT? we are joined by Scholar, Author and Consulting Astrologer Dr. Becca Tarnas, whose views and eloquence on Astrology are both breathtaking and informative. For those who are weary or have yet to look into Astrology, there can be no better introduction than this episode.

Starting off the New Year with a Titan of Magic. Austin Osman Spare means many things to many people. For some, he was an extremely talented Artist whose antisocial behaviour and unwillingness to compromise left him forgotten by the art world. For others, he is the grandfather of sigil magic; a fiercely independent occultist who came up with his own system of magic which was considered revolutionary long after he passed away. Chances are we will never get the full story of the magic of Austin Osman Spare, but we are able to look back and see that his story is not what it seems.

If you dismiss the humanities, you dismiss the prophets among you... Perhaps no other contemporary figure's ideas are brought up more in WMiT? than Dr. Jeffrey Kripal. His work is the stuff which fuels much of my thinking about the paranormal, the supernatural and extraordinary experience. Always with a comparative eye, Dr. Kripal not only looks into the past and the present, but also has his gaze fixed on the future; on what could be awaiting us if we only allow ourselves to tell each other the stories of what we experience.

What if you could see aspects of your future merely by being asleep? What if the unconscious mind was in some way prophetic? What if precognition and psi effects are memories of your future experiences; something you premember? In this Episode of WMiT? I am joined by a guest whose ideas I have mentioned numerous times on the Podcast- Dr. Eric Wargo. His book Time Loops has been one of my greatest reading experiences of the last decade, and he's only getting started.

We all have them. Or, do they have us? The Tapestry of life is a complex web of family, lineage and blood. Their struggles and triumphs are yours as well. For many beginning in Magic, the idea of Ancestors and their elevation does not seem like the most interesting aspect to start practicing, but many these days are making a case that starting with ancestors is beyond beneficial. Joining WMiT? is a man who is well versed in the realm of the restless dead and how it applies to your health and well-being, Mr. Chiron Armand. Your ancestors aren't going anywhere, do not waste this opportunity.

Since 2011, my guest Sam Block, also known as Polyphanes, has written well over 1.5 Million words on his Blog, The Digital Ambler. Having found his work in late 2013, I loved his passion and process regarding such texts as the Corpus Hermeticum and the Greek Magical Papyri. In this episode of WMiT? I finally get to pick his brain about some of my favourite aspects of magic, his process and how he tackles such things as using Barbarous names, substituting ingredients, even prayer. The Magical Mindscape of Polyphanes is on full display.

Fish falling from the sky. People disappearing from one area only to be found in another. People igniting on fire for no reason. Such phenomena was finally given a voice in the early 20th Century all thanks to one man- Charles Fort. The word 'Fortean' is used by some to describe this phenomena but the thing is, cataloguing strange instances when reality seems to get weird should not be the only thing that Charles Fort is known for. The man who invented the Supernatural (a term Charles despised) has much insight into the odd currents of our reality and deserves a bit more respect, especially as things start to get much more strange.

Where does one even begin? Kabbalah has been marked down as one of if not the foundational Element of the Western Magical Tradition. It has also been marked down as a much maligned and misused Judaic Esoteric Tradition; a beautiful and vast tradition that was passed from master to student. Suffice to say, a lot of what passes for Modern Magic is inspired in some way by what is called Hermetic and/or Practical Kabbalah. In this episode of What Magic is This? Doug is joined by Tanin to share some insights as well as their individual takes on Kabbalah.

It probably didn't take us humans very long to discover that certain plants and fungi, when we interacted with them or ingested them- would cause strange effects. Sometimes terrifying, sometimes prophetic, often exhilarating- Drugs and our dalliances with them have intrigued and enthralled us for longer than we've been recording history. Many would say that these substances and spirituality are intrinsically linked in many ways. Of course, Magicians and Witches have utilized this to great effect as well. It goes without saying, WMiT? had to bring on someone who can elucidate our fascination with Drugs and Magic like no other- The Reverend Danny Nemu.

Something available to each and every one of us is a capacity to explore strange worlds, dimensions, and realms. This can be as simple as having a dream each night, to as complex and unusual as a full-blown Out of Body Experience. While some would argue that this is merely just an act of Imagination, to those who Journey often such an explanation seems as far away from the truth as anything could possibly be. Joining the show to share some knowledge is a luminous soul who has Out of Body Experiences often- Wren Collier.

'But Dead Men tell no Tales, they say! Except old tales that burn away the stifling tapestries of day. Old Tales of life, of love and hate, of time and space, and will, and fate.' Western magic has recently seen a revitalization of the Practice of Necromancy- Divination, Invocation, Evocation and Communication with Spirits of the Dead. Most likely, Necromancy has its origins in Ancestor veneration but came to be something more. Cultures around the world have their own forms of Necromantic Interaction, yet death and the more than human world in the west has never been more distant than right now. Let 'er RIP.

The Time has come. It was bound to happen. Now, you will have the chance to support me (your host- Douglas!) and my work with the Podcast. In this Episode of WMiT? I go through some of my thoughts on starting a Patreon account, the reasons for doing so, why one should join, what might be on the Patreon and More! Speaking from the heart, this is not an episode to skip; Hear me out...

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One is constantly surprised by the world and universe we find ourselves in. Every Ecosystem seems to overflow with life, be it forest, desert, tundra, even cities. The longer one sticks with Magic, the more it seems like the whole Universe is somehow alive. Yet despite things we can identify as certainly being alive, perhaps some of the denizens of the ecosystem we say clearly aren't alive- actually are, including the ecosystem itself. This is Animism. In this Episode of WMiT?, Doug is joined by Gordon White of Rune Soup to hash out the ultimate epistemology of Magic. The world is haunted with Spirit and Life, time to see it that way.

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Many Magicians would say that one of the most important aspects of Magic is interacting with 'Spiritual Creatures.' The idea of Spirits being a part of this world and that there could be a 'Spirit World' has been with us far longer than it has not. Of course, the prevailing worldview of the last 300 years has done a fairly good job of attempting to demolish the idea that spirits have ever existed. Yet Spirits (or at least belief in them) has never gone away. In this Episode of WMiT? we are doing something a little bit different. To talk all things Spirit, we are joined by author and Dirt-Sorcerer Aidan Wachter.

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The Greeks have a legacy in many areas of Modern Western culture- from Politics, to theatre, to philosophy and medicine. And of course- Magic, as it is from the Greeks that we get the word 'Magic.' Their stories are absolutely suffused with Magic, Gods and sorcerous characters, adding much to their mythical culture; The Greeks lived in a Magical world of Gods, Myths and the restless Dead. In this Episode of WMiT? Doug and his guest Eva go through some of the ways that the Greeks used Magic and how it is very familiar in many ways.

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On our second voyage into the azure waters, we dive into conversations and currents of Chaos. Firstly we talk about the Philosopher King of Magic, one Ramsey Dukes. From here we sail about on the winds of a few Chaos Magic orders and groups, ever pondering if there ever really was a Chaos Magic movement. My guest for this episode Saul sheds some light on an online Magical current that for a time burned bright but now only seems to flicker. Of course, WMiT? cannot merely have only a two-parter on Chaos magic, but for a time we will drop anchor.

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Late 1970's England. An iconoclastic group of misfit Magicians got tired of the same old story that in order for Magic to work, one had to be a part of a Tradition and go through necessary steps. To this they said 'Nonsense! All one needs is belief and how one utilizes that belief for it to work!' They thus birthed the first form of Postmodern Magic that was based entirely off of Results- Chaos Magic. Baked into this movement and the Chaos toolkit was a pragmatism that if the Ritual or Spell worked, it was kept and modified, if it didn't work it was discarded and something else was attempted. In this first Episode of perhaps a series of episodes, Doug and his Sorcerous guest Gaius provide a short yet succinct introduction to the world of Chaos Magic.

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For a time, Emanuel Swedenborg was a name that many in Europe and America were familiar with. These days, very few have even heard the name and those who have, the words 'Madness' or 'Liar' are not behind. Called by Ralph Waldo Emerson 'A Mastodon of Literature' the work and life of Swedenborg are indeed extraordinary. From his odd inventions, Life philosophy and his mystical experiences, there is much to learn from 'The Scandinavian Da Vinci.' So we head back to the Fools Gallery, to explore and introduce a figure that Doug feels should get a bit more recognition within the Occult than what he currently has.

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We live in an observable, measurable world; one built of the smallest bits of matter. And so we live our lives thinking for the most part, that this is the reality of everything- that the only thing that matters, is matter. Yet for a dominant social paradigm, Materialism & Physicalism has a hard time with a few things, especially those things which is says doesn't exist because it cannot explain it. In this episode of What Magic is This? we take a page out of the Materialism rulebook and start to take it apart, bit by bit.

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Depression, high anxiety, addiction and other mental health issues effect a huge number of us. Many are looking for answers or ways that we can get better or deal with these afflictions ourselves. How does Magic and the Occult intersect with such things? Are there similarities, and if so- what can we learn from them? The amount of internal pain that many of us carry with us each day is difficult to deal with, but there are ways in which we can get help as well as create help. On this extremely personal episode of WMiT?, Douglas has his first ever guest Andre, back on the show to discuss. Fair warning- This episode may have somewhat triggering segments in it.

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The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was finished. However, much of their mystique was only just beginning. With the publication of their Rites and Rituals by Israel Regardie, the secrets of this Magical Order were finally revealed to the world. As for the world of the Golden Dawn, it was one of Kabbalah, of Divine Will and one that believed that all things that were manifest on earth was somehow connected to one another through correspondences. Yet what effect did the Golden Dawn have on Magic after their dissolution? In the conclusion to this two-parter, Douglas goes through all of the consequences and positive virtues of this short-lived but infamous Magical Order.

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There is no other Magical Order that has done as much to shape people's perceptions of Magic than The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. From the practical use of Tarot, to the emphasis of Kabbalah, to the idea of initiation into Magic- all of this was a consequence of this short-lived magical group. In the first of a two-part episode, Douglas puts forward some notion of what magical ideas were around before the Golden Dawn and what was the story of their history, with a spotlight on a few key figures. Gather 'round Fraters and Sorors. It's Storytime.

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Ask anyone what they think the 4th Dimension is and most likely they will say that it is Time. Which is true, in some sense. But the 4th Dimension is more; so much more. It could be the lattice around which everything that has, is, and will happen- happens. The obsession with looking at higher dimensions and other worlds began in earnest in fin-de-siecle Victorian England. With figures such as Edwin Abbott and Charles Howard Hinton, people started to look closer at a dimension that we couldn't see, but perhaps we could very well experience. On this Episode on WMiT? Doug and guest Amber tackle a topic that might have ramifications as to how you see your life, and perhaps how you orchestrate it as well. Very Special thanks to Dr. Eric Wargo for his help and materials assisting in the creation of this Loopy Episode.

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What if I told you that you could have certain desires manifest in your life with a few seemingly simple steps? What if things in your life could change to meet with your aspirations both physical and mental? A somewhat recent weapon in the Magicians arsenal, Sigils are pictographic representation of an outcome that you desire. Their possibilities are seemingly endless, from creation to activation to disposing of them. Sigils go to the core of magic in many ways and are great evidence that symbolic thinking is indeed Magical. In this Episode of What Magic is This? Douglas is joined by fellow Magician and host of Pragmagick Podcast Keats Ross to talk about those weirdly wonderful squiggly lines.

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Residing in the heart of England lives one of the most notorious Wizards of the last 100 years. A Wizard who has not only seen the future, but some say has had a hand in crafting it. Conjuring characters that are as timeless as his ideas, there does not seem much that is beyond this Sorcerer's Magic. We are talking about Northampton's own Mr. Alan Moore. Widely considered the greatest writer of comic books in the history of the medium, Alan is beloved and feared in equal measures. Besides acknowledging that he is a Magician, not too many are aware of what Alan's Magical world looks like. In this Episode of WMiT? Douglas and Eric delve into the Marvellous Magical World of Alan Moore.

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In the Prologue to my Podcast, I talked about experiences; occurrences that happened to us all but were extraordinary in a way, something 'other' than normal. Aliens, Ghosts and Spirits are all somewhat common when these things happen. But what exactly is going on during these events? Is there some way that we can think about them that is useful to us? Perhaps there is a metaphor that could give us some kind of perspective? There is. For this, we will need to look through both sides of the Two-Way Mirror.

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Another soul lurking around the Fools Gallery. This time, we introduce The Witch of Kings Cross- Rosaleen Norton. Kicked out of school for having a 'Depraved Nature which could corrupt the others' Rosaleen always did things her own way. Influenced by Aleister Crowley and other occultists, Ms. Norton crafted some amazing art from her Magic. She was devoted to the Greek God Pan, the earth's true god- her residence completely adorned with altars to such deities. To many she was a kind, intellectual eccentric, to many others a corrupter of decency. On this Episode of WMiT, we take a peek at an often neglected Occult figure, and a wonderful artist as well.

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It became clear very early on in Colin Wilson's life that there was one thing that he had to do for the world. Write. An author of over a hundred books, he was incredibly prolific. But Colin considered himself a philosopher. What kind of Philosopher? He called it New Existentialism- a way for each of us to be responsible for our gift of consciousness. Colin saw that what was missing in a lot of people's lives is meaning, but that our idea of meaning in the world was incorrect. Colin sought to remedy this single-handedly. A worthy and welcome addition to the Fools Gallery.

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Ever met a Neoplatonist before the 19th Century? Me neither. The term was cast on a load of figures from the 3rd Century onwards. Using the philosophy of Plato, Neoplatonists came up with a sort of Unified Field Theory for how existence works. Without a doubt one of the most influential philosophies to the world of the esoteric and the occult. But how does it work? What view of the world does it propose? In this Episode, Doug and Dominique get their hands quite dirty going through a philosophy that needs to be looked at a little bit closer.

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After Astrology, the second most popular form of divination is Cartomancy. For over 500 years, we have turned to cards to show us how things were, are and what might be. Cards used include the Tarot, Oracle Cards, Lenormand Cards, and good ol' fashioned Playing Cards. But how did this come about? More importantly, how do you do it? In this episode of WMiT? Doug breaks it down with the assistance of a good friend, Brad. The cards tell stories to those willing to see them and one hopes by the end of this episode, that's everyone.

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Scattered across many museums, there are scrolls of Papyrus from the Early Common Era. Strange documents filled with spells of all kinds, formulae, prayers, hymns, rituals and rites. Their influences are all over the place- Egyptian, Greek, Jewish, Babylonian, Coptic even Gnostic and Christian. They are called the Greek Magical Papyri. Amazing documents that give us a glimpse into how magic was performed for a period of time, even though many of the spells date from much further back. Their existence is Miraculous. In this episode of WMiT, Doug is joined by Matthew to discuss a kind of magic that the host uses on a near weekly basis- Graeco-Egyptian Magic!

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Continuing with our deep dive on Cornelius Agrippa, this time around the tables are turned and Doug is the Guest. The Arnemancy Podcast is Hosted by Reverend Erik, in which he discusses topics with many magically inclined folks. In this specific Episode, we toss around aspects of a book which may or may not have been written by Agrippa- The Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy. Usually overshadowed by Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Erik and Doug attempt to make a strong case for this strange document, one that needs to be seen as a vital occult work, and in Doug’s opinion- More functionally important than the Three Books.

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Occultist. Theologian. Mercenary. Soldier. Physician. Spy. Scholar. Legal Expert. Peripatetic Polymath. Prisoner. Heretic. Certainly someone who lived a full life, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa looms large over the Occult, and is an obvious addition to the Fools Gallery. He is certainly one of the Titans of Magic, anyone seriously interested in the Occult must give Agrippa his due. In one book (or three) De Occulta Philosophia, it was Agrippa's contention that there could be a synthetic vision of magic whereby the natural world combined with the Celestial and the Divine. On this Episode, Douglas is joined by Reverend Erik from Arnemancy; another fantastic Podcast, where we try to unspool the influence of the Knight Wizard that is Agrippa.

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The quest of turning lead into Gold, this was the aim of the Alchemist. But was this seen as being something practical, or was it a journey to become enlightened? Broadly speaking, Alchemy was actually comprised of many different pursuits to many different people at many different junctures of history. For a time, it captured the imagination of many throughout Europe, and it still does to this day. Practically, it was an antecedent to chemistry and science. Philosophically, it promised the practician enlightenment. Is it still a worthy pursuit today; still worthy of study?   

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This episode is coming in swift as a greyhound, quick as light. Ancient Egypt has kept us enthralled for centuries. From the childlike curiosity of their culture, Gods and architectural marvels to the miraculous perspective of everyday life. One force weaved everything together from the beginning of their civilization to the end- Magic. The rites uttered to a freshly wrapped Mummy, to the ceremonies carried out to ensoul a God's statue, an understanding of the Sanctity of all things was paramount. What can we learn from the Ancient Egyptians? Much, it seems. On this episode of WMiT? Doug gets to talk at Karen about one of his greatest (and longest-held) obsessions.

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How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Everybody has an image in their mind of the Devil. What he means, what he represents, where he is now. Though the Devil exists in many cultures differently, Christianity seems to have a monopoly on the Devil and his handiwork. Yet up until the 12th Century, the Devil was seen as a somewhat small part of Christianity. This changed dramatically and the Devil became God's awesome opponent, the church warning people that they should reject the Devil and all of his works. A topic that goes to the heart of the Occult, Doug and MJ go through the Devil and his details.

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Perhaps the most notorious Grimoire (Book of Spells) of all time. Occultists and scholars fear this book and the magic within. Known as Al Azif, it was transcribed or received by Abdul Alhazred in the 9th Century. Only five copies of this mysterious text exist, and it is certain that those who study these documents either go mad or come to regret their decision shortly after. In this episode, Doug and Clay crack open the most stygian document of all time. 

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Can your thoughts change reality, specifically yours? Are there laws within this universe that dictate that you attract to yourself what you send out into the universe? Can thinking positive thoughts all the time change your world? Such ideas are so prevalent today that we seem to have forgotten where they came from, a late 19th century movement called New Thought. On this episode of WMiT it's time to go through perhaps the single biggest American Contribution to the world of the Occult.

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Sit Down. Shut up. Follow the Breath. Over the last 40 years, there has been quite a bit of scientific inquiry into the benefits of a technique that is utilized by many cultures and religions around the world. Science aside, Meditation is often one of the first things that an occult aspirant is directed to do. On this episode of WMiT? Doug and Avaah discuss, with a focus on Meditation within the Western Esoteric Tradition. 

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Returning to the Fools Gallery, Doug is joined by Tara to discuss one of his favourite people of all time. William Blake was seen as an eccentric loner both during his life and after. However, William considered himself a visionary and a prophet. Woefully ignored during his lifetime, since his death some of his poems and paintings are seen as being among some of the greatest of all time. Blake was certainly inspired, his visions fused into his art and always with the ambition of reminding mankind of its true place- The Imagination.

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Can you keep a secret? Sure ya can... For centuries, groups of people (usually men) met in secret, planning certain actions to their advantage. They created initiatory rites, ceremonies and a hierarchy within their group. These would be unknown to the public, unless you were a member of course. Such behaviour lends itself to conspiracy very easily. On this Episode of WMiT?, I am joined by fellow Podcaster Gabriel as we dig in to the world of Secret Societies and their works. What would those works be? Just the world as it exists right now, no less....   

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Starting in the evening of November 1st and carrying through until November 2nd, many Mexicans will visit the graves of their departed friends and family. This is Dia de los Muertos; The Day of The Dead. Every year, this celebration of ancestral veneration is observed throughout the country. How did it come about? What is the reason for it? Join Douglas for a very special, very personal episode of What Magic is This?

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What would a wizard be without the wand? What's a witch without the cauldron? On this episode of What Magic is This? we delve into Magic Tools, the instruments and objects that a Magician needs and uses to aid in their spells and rituals. Usually the tools a magician has are technique specific, but are there some that no magician should be without? Doug and Kyle engage in a more conversational episode of WMiT, one that might have a trick-or-treat-or-two up its sleeve.   

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If there is one Occult book that is omnipresent, in bookshops and on a Magicians bookshelf, it would be Aleister Crowley's Liber 777. A book of correspondences that showcase the exchange between Kabbalism, Gods, Elements, Planets and many many more. But how did these correspondences come about? How did the book come to be made? How is the book to be used Magically? Doug goes through all this and his opinion of the book that seems to be considered The Only Occult Book a Magician Needs!

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We all have them. Each time we go to sleep, something odd occurs. While our eyes may be closed and we are certainly unconscious- it is almost as if our brain is awake. At this point, we are in the Dream Realm. Through the generations, each culture has attached certain functions to dreaming. Yet with all of our knowledge, there still is no consensus as to the purpose of dreams. Countless theories exist, but one of them is certainly incorrect- That dreams themselves are basically insignificant. On this episode of What Magic is This? I am joined by seasoned Oneironaut Marlin to discuss perhaps the most beautiful natural gift we have.

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Consciousness is pretty much everything. Everything that you've apprehended in your life is due to being able to have conscious experience. But why is it that perhaps the most fundamental ability in our life is so hard to pin down? Why are we Conscious? Where is Consciousness? How did we become Conscious? What do we do with it now? Is it evolving? All of these questions are brought up with my guest Zoi in the latest (and most chaotic) episode of What Magic is This? 

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In this episode of What Magic is This? we head back to the Fools Gallery with the enigmatic political French Occultist Éliphas Lévi. Pretty much most of what is considered Modern Occultism can be traced back to him. What did he write about? Only that all magic has some kind of direct lineage through all of history and that there is another world underneath this one. Interesting ideas. But how much of what Éliphas wrote was true? Douglas hopes to answer this (on his own) and lay down some thoughts on one of the Titans of Magic.

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Technical issues from my end. My laptop has been acting up and basically petered out as I was recording the newest episode of What Magic is This? So as to not keep everybody waiting, I've recorded a solo show! The first part is about how I came to be a Magician; what led me to thee Temple of Magic. The second half of the episode is a Q&A in which I (hopefully) answer some of the listeners questions. Fingers crossed that I'll be back up with regular scheduled podcasting soon! Thanks for bearing with me.

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Perhaps the greatest gift that we possess in the world is our Imagination. Without it, we would not have our greatest works of literature, paintings, music, film, even scientific breakthroughs. But science and the materialist worldview has few means to explain what the Imagination is. We know it is a 'thing' that gives us 'things' to help us and move us. On this episode of What Magic is This? I am joined by Caroline to merely scratch the surface of the Imaginal realm, perhaps my favourite place in this world or any other world.  

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Symbols. We are awash in them. No matter where you are, 'Things' are being represented by other 'things.' For many people, strange symbols in books or elsewhere are their introduction to the world of the Occult. But what are symbols themselves, and how can they be used within a magical perspective? Alex joins me to try and get to the crux of the matter, and I lay out my perspective as to what they are and where they might come from. 

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Back to the Fools Gallery! Our second resident is none other than the great Robert Anton Wilson. Writer, itinerant lecturer and all around swell guy. Bob certainly left quite a legacy and the impact of his 1977 autobiography Cosmic Trigger solidified its place as one of the greatest books in the pantheon of weird literature. If you want to get started in Magic and the Occult, you have to get to grips with Robert Anton Wilson and his ideas. Adam joins me for a smashing discussion and he really hits it out of the park with his answer to the Post-Show Quid Pro Quo.   Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed this Episode, Toss a Coin or two my way.

Coincidences are everywhere. But they are certainly a double-edged sword. For some they show that the universe is more connected and has the best intentions in store for us. For others, the word is used as a weapon to discount and dispel many paranormal or supernatural phenomena. But what happens when that coincidence goes into overdrive and something so seemingly profound and unknowingly meaningful unfolds before you? That would make it a synchronicity. On this episode of What Magic is This? I am joined by my skeptical guest Conor for a great discussion involving these two somewhat common concepts, which goes in a direction that hopefully you the listener, didn't see coming.

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Soul Flight, Astral Projection, Astral Travel, Etheric Travel, maybe even Remote Viewing and Bilocation. A lot of terms for something that is very fundamental to Magic. Is something really going on- are people visiting other places, worlds, stars and planets, while their 'real' body is safe somewhere else? Or are they just using their imagination? Then again, what is real? What is imaginary? My guest Camille joins me for a splendid episode which delves into what it is, a bit of history, some people that were adept at it, and some tips to get you on the right foot (astral or otherwise) so you can start to get 'out there.' A tonne of great information to evoke from this episode, with a little bit of Canadiana thrown in.   Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed this Episode, Toss a Coin or two my way.

Welcome to the Fools Gallery! Our first resident is Carl Jung. For many, such words as Archetype, Collective Unconscious, Introvert and Extrovert are perhaps all they know about The Hexenmeister of Zurich. But Jung lived a life absolutely awash in the occult and was certainly a mystic (although he wouldn't say so). My guest Daniel joins me for an overview of Jung's life, ideas and the many instances when things got downright weird for Carl.  

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In this episode of What Magic is This? I am joined by my guest Simon who has chosen the wonderfully broad subject of 'Spells.' We get into what a spell is, its etymology, a little history, and much much more. Doug gives his definition of a spell and we also talk about what it feels like to cast a spell which might not be what you are expecting. This pod gets casted. 

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I talk with (but mostly at) my guest Andre about Discordianism- a parody religion that for it's time was quite a big deal. From its origin story to the individuals involved. Hail Eris!   Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you enjoyed this episode, Toss a coin or two my way!

An introduction regarding the aims of this Podcast.